While she was there, she visited the Mama Khadija School where 1800 girls go to school every day. The Charity Right (link - Fight Child Hunger) team provided meals for the girls and their teachers. The volunteers also took other items for the girls, including pens, backpacks, lollipops, paper, and crayons. The girls were overjoyed to receive these gifts.

Mehmooda was inspired by her close friend, Diana Esho of the Your Smalls Appeal (link - Donate Bras to Africa | Your Smalls Appeal), to take some knickers for the girls, in case they needed them. Little did she know that the knickers would be welcomed the most.

She found out that some of the girls at the school have only one pair of knickers, which they have to wash every day after school. Some of the girls have no knickers at all.  

Having a drawer full of knickers is something that we take for granted. We can choose different styles, colours, patterns. We sometimes even complain if our knickers are visible under our clothes!

We could not imagine having no knickers at all, or only one pair to wear every day, so when Mehmooda came back home determined to help the girls, we decided to start the MDS Knicker Drive!

We are calling on everyone to donate knickers to the girls at the Mama Khadija School in Malawi. Our target is 2000 pairs, but we would love to be able to send loads more!

If you can, please send new / pre-loved knickers (sizes 3 – 18 years) to us in sealed bags at:

11 De Montfort Street

Leicester  

LE1 7GE

So, when you’re out Christmas shopping, please think of the girls at the Mama Khadija School and pick up a packet of knickers and send them to us. Period pants are also welcome.

Or, if you’re decluttering before Christmas and have some knickers that are in good condition, please seal them in a bag and send them to us.

You can also donate to the MDS Knicker Drive by following this link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mehmooda-duke-2

We will provide regular updates on our progress.  

Please share the story of the MDS Knicker Drive among your friends and family! 2000 is our target, but we want all the girls to have a drawer full of knickers by the time we have finished!

‍